The West Boulevard Neighborhood Association was founded in 1976 by James Eckerdt, Norman Nelson, Richard Shilvock, Elizabeth Shonts and Robb Swanson in response to the concern of residents in the area about encroachment of commercial property into Rapid City’s historic neighborhood. On April 18, 1977 the West Boulevard Neighborhood Association officially incorporated and held status as a registered non-profit.

As such, when the West Boulevard Neighborhood Association became aware that Dutch Elm trees in the area were dying quickly and would soon be gone, the Association worked with the city to remove the old trees and aid in selecting new trees. In order to cover those costs, the Summer Festival came to life. Offering arts & crafts, live entertainment, handmade foods and carriage rides through the neighborhood the first West Boulevard Summer Festival was a great success. Toni Martin even designed “Plant a Tree” buttons and sold them for two dollars each- with many people offering up to ten dollars each for them.

Three years later, the WBNA finally raised enough money to pay for their portion of the cost to plant new trees. Members of the Association selected Linden, Maple, and Ash trees for their beauty and longevity - trees that continue to stand tall, lining West Boulevard, even today - a reminder of the hard work and dedication of our neighbors so many years ago.

Over 40 years later this mission endures; the intention to preserve the residential character of our neighborhood. The West Boulevard Neighborhood Association believes in fostering a sense of community, both here in our neighborhood and throughout Rapid City.

We aim to keep our community connected with events, meetings, and neighborhood communications; invest our time and resources in special projects like park rehabilitation and Boulevard lighting; and work with community members to ensure our neighborhood is a safe, friendly, and beautiful place to live.

The West Boulevard Neighborhood Association would like to thank the following people for their hard work and contributions to our organization throughout the years. We would not be who we are today without you!

Norman Nelson, Toni Martin, Sam Crabb, Mike & Jane Holeton, Mike Pelly, Patrick Roseland, and many, many more!